MSHP, Red Cross offer severe weather safety tips

Spring has arrived, and along with it, so have weather patterns resulting in thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes.

When dangerous weather approaches, whether on land or on the water, implement a safety plan, postpone activities, monitor the weather and get to a safe place. People also should know how their community will warn them about severe weather.

Additionally, people can be prepared by packing a disaster kit including a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for each person in the household and items such as a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, medications, sanitation and personal hygiene items, cellphones and chargers, extra cash and copies of important papers.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter offer the following severe weather safety tips and reminders.

Thunderstorms, tornadoes

Thunderstorms can form quickly, so when they occur, the public should pay attention to weather reports and instructions.

When a tornado watch is issued, this means to stay alert and aware. Watch the sky and listen to weather reports. Watch for tornado danger signs – dark, greenish clouds, a cloud of debris, large hail, a funnel cloud or roaring noise.

A tornado warning means people should seek shelter immediately. An interior room without windows on the lowest floor is the safest shelter location. Possible places include the basement, a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.

Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof might collapse.

Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building.

Overpasses are not safe. The construction of an overpass can create a dangerous wind tunnel effect. Drivers should stop and take shelter in a nearby building. People driving in a rural area should drive away from the tornado to the closest building.

If flying debris occurs, drivers should pull over and park and stay in the vehicle with their head down below the windows, covering their head.

Motorists who can’t get away should seek shelter in a roadside ditch. They should protect themselves from flying debris by covering their head with their arms, a coat or a blanket. Be prepared to move quickly in case the ditch fills with water.

Once people are certain their household is safe, check in on neighbors, friends and family to ensure they are safe and have everything they need. It is particularly helpful to check in on those who are elderly or have functional or access needs to ensure they are safe and well.

Flooding

Heavy rain can cause flooding, and motorists should never drive through fast-moving waters. Even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a slow-moving vehicle off the road.

If a vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground. Don’t go around barriers or barricades.

Additionally, motorists are reminded that state law requires them to turn on their vehicle’s headlights any time they are using the windshield wipers.

If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for someone’s area, they should head for higher ground and stay there.

They should stay away from floodwaters, whether walking or driving, and keep children out of the water. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

No matter what the forecast, people who are going to be on the water need a safe boating plan. During severe weather, stay off the water. Floating debris can easily capsize or sink a boat.

When boaters hear thunder in the distance, they should not wait until they see the lightning. They need to get to shore as quickly as possible.